On The Fast Track: Technical and Vocational Education and Training

If you feel like you can relate, and if you’re still on the brink of deciding which pre-university course you should take, maybe it's time to reconsider, and lend a thought to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Having been referred to using a variety of phrases such as apprenticeship training, workforce education etc. by UNESCO, TVET is exclusively tailored to provide its students with the knowledge and practical skills to enter the workforce directly, without having to attend a formal education system of any sort.

Seven ministries in Malaysia, inclusive of the Ministry of Higher Education offer TVET programmes to students having completed their secondary education, which are available in both public and private institutions. Certificates are awarded to students by both the Ministry of Higher Education and the Department for Skills Development in Malaysia.

Entry Requirements

Pass in SPM or equivalent, inclusive of:

• A language: Bahasa Malaysia or English
• Mathematics
• A subject related to intended TVET course: Science, Technology, Humanities etc.

Why Choose TVET?

• Direct entry into workforce
• Short duration
• Holistic learning
• Equips you with practical skills

Training Levels

Students under TVET have the option to undergo the programme up until any level they wish to, whether it be a certificate, diploma, or even a degree. This pattern is laid out through the various levels students can climb while studying TVET. Within a 6 months to a 2 (or more) year duration, with TVET students can be certified at the following levels:

Level 1: Skills certificate

Level 2: Skills certificate

Level 3: Academic, Vocational, Technical certificates

Level 4: Diploma

Level 5: Advanced diploma

Level 6: Bachelor’s degree

Level 7: Master’s degree

Level 8: Doctoral degree

The higher the level of training, the more competent your skills are for better positions. By studying up till Level 5, one can even obtain a managerial position. However, many students prefer to obtain a certificate until Level 2 or 3, and go on to work upwards within the industry itself.

Possible Specialisations

• Teaching
• Beauty industry
• Accounting
• Culinary arts
• Hospitality
• Management
• Nursing
• Media
• Design

Fast Facts

• MOHE has predicted an increase in demand for TVET workers by 2020, for a whopping 1.3 million workers
• Malaysia is home to more than 1,000 TVET institutions

(cover photo courtesy: padu.edu.my)